Vietnam is a haven for food lovers, offering an array of dishes that reflect its rich culture and diverse landscapes. Here are the 26 best foods in Vietnam you should try, each representing a unique aspect of the nation’s gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or tranquil countryside, the culinary delights you’ll encounter will undoubtedly be a highlight of your journey.
A symphony of fresh flavors and the best foods in Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is a symphony of fresh flavors and regional influences. This Southeast Asian nation boasts a rich culinary heritage, with dishes that vary depending on the region’s climate, history, and agricultural products. From the fragrant broths and noodle soups to the rice dishes and zesty salads, Vietnamese cuisine offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, Vietnam’s diverse cuisine, brimming with the best foods in Vietnam, promises an exciting adventure for your palate.
A guide to the 26 best foods in Vietnam
This comprehensive 26 dishes Vietnam foods list ensures you don’t miss out on any flavor explosions during your visit.
Pho
Pho, one of the best foods in Vietnam, is a flavorful noodle soup made with either beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). The broth, simmered for hours with bones and spices, is the heart of this dish. It’s served with flat rice noodles, fresh herbs, and lime, making it a comforting and aromatic meal perfect for any time of the day.
Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup from Hue, known for its robust flavors. The broth is prepared with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili oil, giving it a distinctive taste. It’s served with thick vermicelli noodles, beef, and pork, often accompanied by fresh herbs and lime.
Bun Rieu
Bun Rieu is a tangy crab and tomato noodle soup that’s both refreshing and hearty. The broth is made from tomatoes, tamarind paste, and crab paste, creating a sour and savory flavor profile. Topped with crab meat, tofu, and fresh herbs, Bun Rieu is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Banh Mi
Another dish on the list of best foods in Vietnam is Banh Mi, a perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. A crispy baguette is filled with various ingredients such as pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, all drizzled with a tangy sauce. It’s a quick, delicious meal that’s widely available and incredibly satisfying.
Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a noodle dish from Quang Nam province, featuring turmeric-yellow noodles served with a small amount of broth. It’s topped with a mix of pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and fresh herbs, along with crunchy rice crackers and peanuts, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Com Ga
Com Ga (chicken rice) is a Hoi An specialty where rice is cooked in chicken broth and served with shredded chicken, herbs, and a side of savory sauce. The dish is simple yet flavorful, making it a staple in many Vietnamese households.
Com Tam
Com Tam, or broken rice, is a street food in Vietnam, frequently featured on the must-try Vietnam foods list. The rice, made from fractured rice grains, is served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments like pickled vegetables and fish sauce. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal enjoyed at any time of the day.
Com Nieu
Com Nieu is clay pot rice, where the rice is cooked in a clay pot until it forms a crispy crust at the bottom. It’s often served with a variety of side dishes, including grilled meats and vegetables, providing a unique dining experience with its crunchy texture.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a Hanoi specialty consisting of grilled pork patties and slices served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The smoky, savory flavors of the meat pair perfectly with the fresh and vibrant accompaniments, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Bun cha is the dish that President Obama ate during his visit to Vietnam in 2016. The restaurant he visited is located at Bun Cha Huong Lien, 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
Xoi
Xoi, or sticky rice, comes in many variations and is often enjoyed as a breakfast dish or snack. It can be sweet or savory, with toppings ranging from mung beans and coconut to shredded chicken and fried shallots. Xoi is a versatile dish that showcases the creativity of Vietnamese cuisine and is a staple on the Vietnam foods list.
Banh Can
Banh Can are small, crispy rice cakes from the central coast of Vietnam, cooked in special molds over an open flame. They’re typically topped with quail eggs, shrimp, or pork, and served with a side of dipping sauce. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or a light meal.
Banh Beo
Banh Beo is steamed rice cakes from Hue, often topped with minced shrimp, crispy shallots, and a drizzle of scallion oil. These delicate and flavorful appetizers, served in small individual dishes with a side of fish sauce, are considered among the best foods in Vietnam.
Banh Cuon Tay Son
Banh Cuon Tay Son is a rice paper roll filled with grilled pork, nem (fermented pork), cha ram (fried meat roll), fried tofu, boiled egg slices, cucumbers, and vegetables. These savory rolls are served with a side of dipping sauce, making them a popular breakfast choice in Vietnam.
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is savory Vietnamese pancakes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. They’re cooked until crispy and served with fresh herbs and lettuce, to be wrapped and dipped in a tangy sauce.
Goi Cuon
Goi Cuon, or fresh spring roll, is a light and healthy dish consisting of shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs wrapped in rice paper. They’re typically served with a peanut dipping sauce, offering a refreshing and tasty appetizer.
Hu Tieu Nam Vang
Hu Tieu Nam Vang, one of the best foods in Vietnam, is a Cambodian-Vietnamese noodle soup featuring a clear, flavorful broth with rice noodles, pork, shrimp, and various toppings. It’s a popular breakfast dish in southern Vietnam, known for its light yet satisfying flavors.
Cha Ca
Cha Ca is a Hanoi specialty where fish is marinated in turmeric and dill, then grilled and served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and fresh herbs. The aromatic and savory fish pairs beautifully with the fresh and crunchy accompaniments.
Banh Chung
Banh Chung is a traditional Vietnamese dish made during the Lunar New Year. It’s a square-shaped sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours. This festive dish symbolizes gratitude and the importance of family.
Nom Hoa Chuoi
Nom Hoa Chuoi is a banana flower salad that’s both refreshing and flavorful. The salad is made with shredded banana flowers, herbs, chicken or shrimp, and a tangy dressing. It’s a light and healthy dish that’s perfect for a hot day.
Nem Chua Ran
Nem Chua Ran are deep-fried fermented pork rolls that are crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside. They’re often served with a side of fresh herbs and a dipping sauce, making for a delicious and savory snack.
Bun Cha Ca
Bun Cha Ca is a fish cake noodle soup from central Vietnam, known for its savory broth and flavorful cha ca (grilled chopped fish). The dish, often highlighted on Vietnam foods lists, is served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce, offering a delightful combination of tastes and textures.
Banh Bot Loc
Banh Bot Loc are translucent dumplings from central Vietnam, filled with shrimp and pork, and wrapped in banana leaves. These chewy and savory dumplings are typically served with a side of fish sauce for dipping.
Bo Cuon La Lot
Bo Cuon La Lot are grilled beef rolls wrapped in betel leaves, known for their aromatic and slightly peppery flavor. They’re often served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce, making for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Che
Che refers to a variety of sweet Vietnamese desserts, often made with beans, tapioca, and coconut milk. These desserts come in many forms, from soups to puddings, and are typically enjoyed as a refreshing end to a meal.
Banh Canh
Banh Canh is a fantastic addition to your Vietnam foods list. It features thick noodles made from tapioca or rice flour, offering a delightful chewiness that sets it apart from other noodle dishes. The savory broth is often brimming with various toppings like pork, shrimp, and crab, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
Ca Kho To
Ca Kho To is caramelized fish in a clay pot, a southern Vietnamese specialty. The fish is simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, and spices, creating a deeply flavorful dish that’s best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and bold flavors. Each of these 26 best foods in Vietnam offers a unique taste experience, showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these dishes are sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Here are the things you need to know about the Vietnam Cuisine. Visit Vietnam Travel Tips daily to discover more about the beautiful country of Vietnam
